Grilled Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is our go-to recipe on Sunday night. It is a great dish to add all your favorite ingredients as it always turns out so delicious. But making Grilled Meatloaf takes it to the next level.

This ground beef recipe is one of our favorites. Grilling this classic recipe gives it the best smoky flavor. If you love this recipe, try Smoked Meatloaf.

Why We Love This Recipe

Grilling meatloaf is a great way to make your classic recipe. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and you will have a crowd pleasing meatloaf that everyone will eat.

The ground beef mixed with simple seasoning and grilled allows you to start the week off right with a hearty and delicious meal. Add your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes and a vegetable and your meal is complete.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Additions and Substitutions

• Change the Ground Meat – Instead of ground beef, you can use ground pork if you prefer.
• Barbecue Sauce – Instead of using ketchup, top the meatloaf with BBQ Sauce.
• Bake meatloaf – You can still make this meatloaf in an oven at 350 degrees in a loaf pan.
• Add Cheese – Mix in cheese with this recipe. We recommend American or Mozzarella for added flavor.
• Change the Seasoning – Italian Seasoning is always a good options or a ranch seasoning packet. Add in brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.
• Bacon – Add in chopped bacon for added flavor and texture.

How to Cook Meatloaf on the Grill 

• Step 1 – Preheat a grill over medium heat (approximately 375 degrees F).  Turn off one side of the grill to have a hot side and indirect heat side for cooking the meatloaf. 

Step 2 – Reserve 2 tablespoons of the ketchup for the topping.  Then in a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, large eggs, bread crumbs, onions, kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce and remaining ketchup.  Mix until well combined. 

Step 3 – Form the meat mixture into a classic meatloaf shape and place it in the center of a double folded large piece of foil.  Roll up the edges of the aluminum foil slightly to make a small boat around the meatloaf to catch any juices released while cooking. 

Step 4 – Place the meatloaf on the direct heat of the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes with the grill lid closed. 

Step 5 – Then move over indirect heat and continue to cook on the grill and close the lid. Cook until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (approximately 1 hour). 

• Step 6 – Remove the meatloaf from the grill and place on a baking pan lined with heavy duty foil.  Top it with the reserved ¼ cup of ketchup glaze and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.  Then it’s ready to slice, serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Combine Ingredients – Make sure to combine the ingredients completely before forming into a loaf. You can combine with the spoon, but I find it best to combine with my hands.
• Forming the Loaf – When forming the loaf, I try not to make it to thick so that it does not take long to cook. You may even need to do small ones to make sure that the meatloaf gets completely cooked.
• Cooking Meatloaf – Only cook the meatloaf on the direct heat for about 10 minutes and then finish cooking on the indirect heat. This makes sure that the meatloaf does not burn.

How long to Grill Meatloaf

After mixing the ingredients together to make your meatloaf, place on the side of the grill with direct heat. You will grill your meatloaf for about 10 minutes with the lid closed.

Then after about 10 minutes, move the meatloaf on the indirect side of the grill. Grill until your meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees. We recommend getting a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

• Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes – This recipe is a game changer and makes mashed potatoes so simple. No need for separate pans and boiling potatoes. This easy recipe does not require any boiling or draining.
• Glazed Carrots – If you have never had glazed carrots, it is such a sweet and delicious side dish. This recipe can be made quickly and easily during the week for an inexpensive vegetable to serve with your main dish.
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese – This easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is so creamy and cheesy. Plus, the delicious bread crumb topping makes this Southern mac and cheese simply amazing.
• Homemade Rolls – These homemade rolls are the perfect side with mashed potatoes and green beans. My kids will make meatloaf sandwiches with these rolls.